Humanistic Studies of Philosophy and Literature in Italy

Philosophy and Literature – Italy

8 days Rome & Florence

Philosophy & Literature

The Philosophy and Literature Faculty-Led Program in Italy offers students a unique opportunity to explore the intellectual foundations of Western thought across Rome and Florence, the birthplace of Stoicism, Humanism, and centuries of theological and literary tradition.

Over 8 days and 7 nights, participants will engage with leading universities and iconic historical sites, gaining a deep understanding of how ancient ideas continue to shape modern culture. The program blends academic seminars, immersive site visits, and cultural exploration for a comprehensive study abroad experience.

Through expert lectures and on-site readings, students will trace philosophy and literature back to their classical roots. Academic highlights include a philosophy lecture at La Sapienza University, a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour exploring the relationship between faith and reason rooted in Aristotelian and Thomistic thought, and a seminar at the University of Florence’s Department of Humanities. Literary and philosophical study comes alive on location: a lecture on Virgil and Latin literature at the Colosseum, a walking tour analyzing Seneca and Stoic philosophy through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and a visit to Dante’s House in Florence exploring his themes of free will and divine justice. A guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery further connects Renaissance art to classical mythology and humanist philosophy.

Beyond the academic experience, students will enjoy Italy’s rich culinary heritage through a Roman welcome dinner and a Tuscan farewell dinner celebrating the region’s culinary tradition.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from the USA

    Flight

    Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Rome.

    Overnight

    In flight.

  • Day 2: Arrival in Rome

    Morning

    Arrive in Rome and make your own way to the hotel. Meet your TLAC group leader in the lobby of the hotel for check in. Transit passes will be distributed.

    Remainder of the day

    Free day to rest after arrival.

    Overnight

    Rome.

  • Day 3: Rome: La Sapienza University, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

    Morning

    Visit to La Sapienza University where students can attend a lecture in the Philosophy department of the university, situated in Villa Mirafiori.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Visit to the Roman Forum which was the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial and legal affairs.

    Walk to the Palatine Hill, the first nucleus of the Roman Empire.

    Evening

    Welcome dinner at Trattoria Da Danilo to discover the traditional Roman cuisine.

    Overnight

    Rome.

  • Day 4: Rome: Colosseum and Walking tour

    Morning

    Visit to the Colosseum and lecture on Virgil and Latin literature.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Walking tour of the city while reading and analyzing the writings of Seneca the Younger and exploring the school of Stoicism, a philosophical movement and practical guide to living that emphasizes daily self-discipline and moral improvement.

    Overnight

    Rome

  • Day 5: Rome: Vatican Museums

    Morning

    Free time.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Depart as a group to walk to the Vatican Museums.

    Guided Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour. The Vatican views philosophy as a crucial partner to faith, utilizing reason to explore truth, defend doctrine, and engage with modern culture. Rooted heavily in the traditions of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, the Holy See champions the idea that faith and reason are complementary.

    The Vatican tour will end, but students are free to remain in the museums to explore more.

    Overnight

    Rome.

  • Day 6: Rome to Florence

    Morning

    Check out from the hotel.

    Depart by train from Rome to Florence.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Visit to Dante’s Neighborhood and House of Dante, where students will have a lecture about his poems and philosophical themes. Dante Alighieri was an Italian poet, writer and philosopher. Through his literary masterpieces, he explored profound concepts of free will, divine justice, human agency, and the ultimate purpose of life.

    Check in at the new accommodation.

    Overnight

    Florence.

  • Day 7: Florence: University of Florence and the Uffizi Gallery

    Morning

    Visit to the Department of Humanities at the University of Florence where students can choose which seminar they want to attend there.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery that houses a legendary collection of Renaissance and Mannerist art heavily intertwined with classical and contemporary literature. Masterpieces here bring epic poetry, mythology, and humanist philosophy to life.

    Evening

    Farewell dinner at Osteria Filetto d’Oro to celebrate the rich culinary tradition of Tuscany.

    Overnight

    Florence.

  • Day 8: Florence: Free Day

    Students depart individually from Florence. Must checkout of accommodations by 10am.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

  • Classical Philosophy & Stoic Thought
  • Renaissance Humanism & Literary Analysis
  • Faith, Reason & Theological Tradition
  • Critical Reading of Primary Philosophical Texts
  • Historical Context of Western Intellectual Movements
  • Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Art & Ideas
  • Real-World Connections Between Literature & Place
Support for Faculty

Support for Faculty

At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.

  • Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
  • Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
  • Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
  • Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
  • Pre-departure webinar

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Italy. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us

What’s Included

  • Housing

    • Students and faculty will be housed in 3-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast included.
    • Students will share rooms: 2 students per room, each with a separate bed. Each room has its own bathroom.
    • The faculty will be provided with private bedrooms with bathrooms.
  • Meals

    • Breakfast in the hotels is included daily.
    • Two group meals are included as part of the program: a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
  • Transport

    • Students will primarily explore destinations on foot. All other transit is completed by the use of public transportation, which is included in the program fee. Local transit cards are provided where necessary.
  • On-Site Support

    • A TLAC team member in Italy will be assigned to your group for the duration of the program.
    • A 24-hour emergency contact number will be provided for support throughout the stay.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Italy. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us